Atomizer and electronic cigarette having same

ABSTRACT

An exemplary atomizer includes a liquid supply and an atomizing component. The liquid supply is configured for storing tobacco liquid. The liquid supply has an open end and a sealing layer for sealing the open end. The atomizing component is detachably coupled to the liquid supply by snap fit. The atomizing component is configured for heating the tobacco liquid to vaporize. The atomizing component includes a piercing element, a buffer chamber, and an atomizing unit. The piercing element is configured for pricking the sealing layer, so that the tobacco liquid in the liquid chamber flows into the buffer chamber, when the atomizing component is engaged with the liquid supply. The buffer chamber is configured for storing tobacco liquid flowed from the liquid chamber. The atomizing unit is configured for absorbing the tobacco liquid from the buffer chamber, and generating aerosol from the tobacco liquid.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to electronic cigarettes, and particularlyto an atomizer and an electronic cigarette using same.

BACKGROUND ART

A typical electronic cigarette includes a disposable liquid supply, anatomizing component, and a power supply. The disposable liquid supply isconfigured for storing tobacco liquid. The atomizing component isconfigured for generating aerosol from the tobacco liquid. The powersupply is adapted for providing the atomizing component power.Generally, the disposable liquid supply is coupled to the atomizingcomponent via screw threads. After the atomizing component is engagedwith the disposable liquid supply, the liquid supply is pierced and thetobacco liquid flows out to the atomizing component for atomization. Toavoid liquid leakage, a sealing element is arranged between the liquidsupply and the atomizing component.

However, the atomizing component needs to be screwed several turns froma first position, where the liquid supply is first pierced, to a secondposition, where the liquid supply and the atomizing component arehermetically coupled. During this process, the tobacco liquid may leakvia screw threads, rendering users experience unsatisfactory.

What is needed, therefore, are an atomizer and an electronic cigaretteusing same, which can overcome the above shortcomings.

SUMMARY

An exemplary atomizer includes a liquid supply and an atomizingcomponent. The liquid supply is configured for storing tobacco liquid.The liquid supply has an open end and a sealing layer for sealing theopen end. The atomizing component is detachably coupled to the liquidsupply by snap fit. The atomizing component is configured for heatingthe tobacco liquid to vaporize. The atomizing component includes apiercing element, a buffer chamber, and an atomizing unit. The piercingelement is configured for pricking the sealing layer, so that thetobacco liquid in the liquid chamber flows into the buffer chamber, whenthe atomizing component is engaged with the liquid supply. The bufferchamber is configured for storing tobacco liquid flowed from the liquidchamber. The atomizing unit is configured for absorbing the tobaccoliquid from the buffer chamber, and generating aerosol from the tobaccoliquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed uponclearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover,in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an atomizer according to a firstembodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the atomizer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an atomizer according to a secondembodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the atomizer of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the atomizer of FIG. 3 afterassembled.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an atomizer according to a thirdembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partially perspective view of an atomizing component in theatomizer of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an electronic cigarette according to a fourthembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among thedifferent figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, itwill be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theembodiments described herein can be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have notbeen described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevantfeature being described. Also, the description is not to be consideredas limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The drawingsare not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts havebeen exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of thepresent disclosure.

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way oflimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereferences indicate similar elements. It should be noted that referencesto “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily tothe same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now bepresented.

The term “outside” refers to a region that is beyond the outermostconfines of a physical object. The term “inside” indicates that at leasta portion of a region is partially contained within a boundary formed bythe object. The term “substantially” is defined to be essentiallyconforming to the particular dimension, shape or other word thatsubstantially modifies, such that the component need not be exact. Forexample, substantially cylindrical means that the object resembles acylinder, but can have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. Theterm “comprising,” when utilized, means “including, but not necessarilylimited to”; it specifically indicates open-ended inclusion ormembership in the so-described combination, group, series and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, an atomizer 100 is shown. The atomizer 100 isconfigured (i.e., structured and arranged) for assembling with a powersupply 200 to form an electronic cigarette. The atomizer 100 includes aliquid supply 10, a liquid chamber 12 in the liquid supply 10, and anatomizing component 20. The liquid chamber 12 is configured forreceiving tobacco liquid. The atomizing component 20 is configured forgenerating aerosol from tobacco liquid. The liquid supply 10 includes anopening 121 at one end. A sealing layer 13 is provided at the opening121, and configured for sealing the tobacco liquid. The atomizingcomponent 20 includes a piercing element 22 adapted for piercing thesealing layer 13. In the present embodiment, the liquid supply 10includes an air pipe 15 coaxially arranged with the liquid supply 10.The air pipe 15 and the liquid supply 10 are integrally formed, and madeof an identical material. The liquid chamber 12 is cooperatively definedbetween a housing of the liquid supply 10 and the air pipe 15. Theatomizing component 20 includes a buffer chamber 25, a sealing ring 23,and an atomizing head 24. The buffer chamber 25 is configured forstoring tobacco liquid flowed from the liquid chamber 12. The atomizinghead 24 is in communication with the air pipe 15. The atomizing head 24includes an atomizing unit 241. The atomizing component 20 is detachablyconnected with the liquid supply 10 by snap fit. After the atomizingcomponent 20 is engaged with the power supply 10, the piercing element22 pricks the sealing layer 13, so that the tobacco liquid in the liquidchamber 12 flows into the buffer chamber 25 for atomization. In thisposition, an open end of the liquid supply 10 is tightly pressed againstthe sealing ring 13, thus avoiding liquid leakage.

The liquid supply 10 includes a mouthpiece 11 having an air outlet 111.The air outlet 111 is in communication with the air pipe 15. In thepresent embodiment, the mouthpiece 11 and the liquid supply 10 areintegrally formed.

Further, the liquid supply 10 includes a plug end 19 adapted forinserting into the atomizing component 20. The atomizing component 20includes a first clip ring 21 configured for coupling with the plug end19. The plug end 19 defines a first groove 14 in an outer surface. Thefirst clip ring 21 is engaged in the first groove 14 in use.

Further, the air pipe 15 includes a stepped portion 151 formed on aninner surface, and the atomizing head 24 includes a locking portion 242.After the atomizing component 20 is coupled to the liquid supply 10, anend of the atomizing head 24 is inserted into the air pipe 15, and thelocking portion 242 is engaged in the stepped portion 151.

Referring to FIGS. 3-4, as an alternative embodiment, the atomizingcomponent 20 is inserted into the liquid supply 10. The atomizingcomponent 20 includes a connection end 26 for inserting into the liquidsupply 10. Correspondingly, the liquid supply 10 includes a second clipring 40 for locking the connection end 26, and the connection end 26defines a second groove 27 in an exterior surface. The second clip ring40 is engaged with the second groove 27. The liquid supply 10 includesan annular chamber 16 for connecting with the atomizing component 20.The annular chamber 16 divides the housing of the liquid supply 10 intoa first housing 18 and a second housing 17. The second housing 17 isinserted into the atomizing component 20, and is clamped by the firstclip ring 21. The connection end 26 is plugged into the annular chamber16, and is clamped by the second clip ring 40.

Referring to FIGS. 6-7, as an alternative embodiment, the liquid supply10 includes a plug end 19 for inserting into the atomizing component 20.The plug end 19 includes a plurality of L-shaped protrusions 191 on anexterior surface, and correspondingly, the atomizing component 20defines a plurality of L-shaped grooves 28 on an interior surface. Thegrooves 28 match with the protrusions 191. The liquid supply 10 isrotated a predetermined angle so that the protrusions 191 engage in thegrooves 28. During assembly, after the plug end 19 is inserted into theatomizing component 20, the open end of the liquid supply 10 is tightlypressed against the sealing ring 13, liquid leakage will not occurduring the rotation of the predetermined angle.

To further prevent liquid leakage, referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, theliquid supply 10 includes a check valve 50 in the open end. After thepiercing element 22 pierces the sealing layer 13, the piercing element22 pushes the check valve 50 to an open state, so that the tobaccoliquid flows to the buffer chamber 25 via the check valve 50. In thepresent embodiment, the atomizing head 24 includes two atomizing units241, and a liquid conducting element 243 between the two atomizing units241. The liquid conducting element 243 is configured for guiding tobaccoliquid, and preventing heating elements of the two atomizing units 241from contacting with each other.

In use, the tobacco liquid flows from the liquid chamber 12 to thebuffer chamber 25. The atomizing units 241 absorb the tobacco liquid inthe buffer chamber 25, and heat the tobacco liquid to form aerosol. Theaerosol is expelled from the air outlet 111 via the air pipe 15. In thepresent embodiment, the atomizing component 20 further includes aconnection part 30 at an end for connecting with an external powersupply.

Referring to FIG. 8, an electronic cigarette includes an atomizer 100and a power supply 200. The power supply 200 is engaged with theatomizer 100 via screw threads. The power supply 200 is configured forsupplying the atomizer 100 power.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are intended toillustrate rather than limit the disclosure. Variations may be made tothe embodiments and methods without departing from the spirit of thedisclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An atomizer for an electronic cigarette,comprising: a liquid supply configured for storing tobacco liquid, theliquid supply having an open end and a sealing layer for sealing theopen end; and an atomizing component detachably coupled to the liquidsupply by snap fit, the atomizing component being configured for heatingthe tobacco liquid to vaporize, the atomizing component comprising: apiercing element configured for pricking the sealing layer, so that thetobacco liquid in the liquid chamber flows into the buffer chamber, whenthe atomizing component is engaged with the liquid supply; a bufferchamber configured for storing tobacco liquid flowed from the liquidchamber; and an atomizing unit configured for absorbing the tobaccoliquid from the buffer chamber, and generating aerosol from the tobaccoliquid.
 2. The atomizer in accordance with claim 1, wherein the liquidsupply comprises a plug end adapted for inserting into the atomizingcomponent, the plug end defines a first groove in an outer surface; theatomizing component comprises a first clip ring, and the first clip ringis engaged in the first groove.
 3. The atomizer in accordance with claim1, wherein the atomizing component comprises a connection end forinserting into the liquid supply; the liquid supply comprises a secondclip ring for locking the connection end; the connection end defines asecond groove in an exterior surface, and the second clip ring isengaged with the second groove.
 4. The atomizer in accordance with claim1, wherein the liquid supply comprises a plug end for inserting into theatomizing component, the plug end comprises a plurality of L-shapedprotrusions on an exterior surface; the atomizing component defines aplurality of L-shaped grooves on an interior surface, and theprotrusions are engaged in the grooves after rotating a predeterminedangle.
 5. The atomizer in accordance with claim 1, wherein the liquidsupply comprises a housing having an annular chamber, the annularchamber divides the housing of the liquid supply into a first housingand a second housing; the atomizing component further comprises a firstclip ring, the liquid supply further comprises a second clip ringarranged in the annular chamber, the second housing is inserted into theatomizing component, and is clamped by the first clip ring; theatomizing component further comprises a connection end plugged into theannular chamber, and the connection end is clamped by the second clipring.
 6. The atomizer in accordance with claim 1, wherein the liquidsupply further comprises an air pipe, the atomizing component furthercomprises an atomizing head in communication with the air pipe, and theatomizing unit is arranged in the atomizing head.
 7. The atomizer inaccordance with claim 6, wherein the air pipe comprises a steppedportion formed on an inner surface thereof, and the atomizing headcomprises a locking portion, an end of the atomizing head is insertedinto the air pipe, and the locking portion is engaged in the steppedportion.
 8. The atomizer in accordance with claim 6, wherein the airpipe and the liquid supply are coaxially arranged, and the air pipe andthe liquid supply are integrally formed.
 9. The atomizer in accordancewith claim 6, wherein the liquid supply further comprises a mouthpiecedefining an air outlet, the mouthpiece and the liquid supply areintegrally formed, and the air outlet is in communication with the airpipe.
 10. The atomizer in accordance with claim 6, wherein the atomizinghead comprises two atomizing units, and a liquid conducting elementsandwiched between the two atomizing units.
 11. The atomizer inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the liquid supply further comprises acheck valve at the open end, and the piercing element is configured forpushing the check valve to an open state after the piercing elementpierces the sealing layer.
 12. An electronic cigarette, comprising: anatomizer according to claim 1; and a power supply configured forsupplying the atomizer power.